Hauppauge High School Student Jessica Spiers Wins Smithtown VFW Contest

Smithtown VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winner Jessica Spiers Hauppague HS  

What makes America great?

This is a question that has been pondered for years, and has no singular answer. There are countless reasons that America is great from freedoms granted to us in the Constitution to our multicultural society, but a reason that stands out to many is the determination of our soldiers. Millions of American soldiers have proved time and again that they are willing to put their lives on the line for the freedoms of the rest of the country.

Veterans have contributed so much to this country, often performing courageous actions without hesitation. An example of a soldier who emulated this quality is Private First Class Jacklyn Lucas. During World War II, Private Lucas threw himself on top of two grenades to protect his fellow marines, risking his own life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. Due to this heroic action, he was awarded with the Medal of Honor at 17 years old, making him one of the youngest recipients in United States history. This type of courage is a staple of soldiers and veterans in this country, making America great each and every day.

American greatness is determined by the people in our country who make a difference in society, people who go out of their way to do the right thing and stand up for what they believe in. There is no better example of this than American soldiers, fighting for what they believe in: America. When war begins, fear is prominent amongst Americans, but soldiers fight that fear and rise to the occasion and perform the jobs that many are too fearful to do. Veterans are the foundation of this country, and without them we would not have any of the liberties we often take for granted.

As Richard Grenier once said, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf”. This quote captures the spirit of American soldiers, willing to fight for the greater good and for Americans at home. Many of the things that are considered to make America great are available to us only because of the work done by veterans. Without veterans, we would not have any of the ideals we hold so important like democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and so many more. These are the pillars of American society, and they are upheld by the veterans who allowed them to be created, and the soldiers who continue to defend them. One of the characteristics that Americans value very highly is bravery. Bravery and courage are traits that are ideal in any person,  but are most distinctive in a veteran. To have courage is to have strength in the face of fear, which is something not many people can do. However, this is done on a daily basis by soldiers, and they do this because they are fighting for America and everything that Americans believe in. Veterans and soldiers have given so much to our country, sacrificing everything to uphold American values. Having fought for our country is one of the most honorable things one can do, and it is because of these brave people that America is truly great. 

2019 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed 3-5 minute recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

Up to fifteen finalists are selected from entries at the three Smithtown high schools, and are judged by the veteran Voice of Democracy committee. Local post certificates and cash scholarships are awarded to the winners.  The first place post winner goes on to compete at County, District and NY State (Department) level for additional awards. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Vaping Big Business And Big Profits

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

 “Vaping is an example of big business and profits,” Dr. William Spencer, the first physician to serve on the Suffolk County Legislature, was saying last week. 

At long last, 50 years ago came a broad societal realization that cigarettes are a major cause of cancer and other diseases, so “Big Tobacco had to repackage nicotine addiction, it needed a replacement for smoking cigarettes,” said Dr. Spencer in an interview.

Thus, vaping was developed with “a narrative that this could be a device for people to quit smoking, that it was safe. The claim: cigarettes involve 600 chemicals and vaping 50, so it must be safer.”

It turns out, said Dr. Spencer, that “vaping is not safer and it probably is more dangerous than smoking; it’s not the number of chemicals but their toxicity.”

As a Suffolk County legislator, Dr. Spencer—chair of its Health Committee—has been the leader in Suffolk in taking on and restricting vaping.

In observing the Suffolk County Legislature since it was founded in 1970, I’d say that Dr. Spencer is one of its most extraordinary members ever.

He is past president of the Suffolk County Medical Society; Chief of Otolaryngology (the medical discipline that focuses on the ears, nose and throat) at Huntington Hospital; clinical professor at Stony Brook University Hospital; and founder of Long Island Otolaryngology & Pediatric Airway, a practice which specializes in head and neck surgery. He is also an ordained minister and licensed pilot. It should be noted that he is an African-American, which was non-existent in elected officialdom in Suffolk for many, many years.

When vaping first emerged, the concern was that it “may be hazardous to your health,” said Dr. Spencer. But “now,” with many illnesses and death having resulted from vaping, “it is clear that vaping is hazardous to your health.” 

The target in the vaping push, said Dr. Spencer of Centerport, the father of three, has been teens. “Once they get them hooked, they get them hooked forever.”

And the doses of nicotine received by the young—indeed all people—by vaping is enormous. “One Juul cartridge has the nicotine of a pack of cigarettes.”

Moreover, for a teen, initially smoking “a regular cigarette” usually causes irritation and discomfort. But vaping with flavors such as “bubble gum”—clearly aimed at youth—softens the intake. Thus, hooking young people through vaping, causing them to become addicted to nicotine, is an easier process for the nicotine purveyors. 

“We have to push back against the disinformation,” says Dr. Spencer. “We must bring awareness. A big issue is education.” For example, of the claim of the vaping industry that maybe additives put in by vaping outlets is the problem, this is just an effort by the “vape lobbyists to confound and confuse. They seek to muddy the waters.”

And along with getting information out, government must firmly confront vaping with legislation. Legislation enacted in Suffolk sponsored by Dr. Spencer include prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and restricting the locations where they may be used. 

He is encouraged by a new state restriction on flavored e-cigarettes but is concerned that it had to be done by Governor Andrew Cuomo with an executive order which can be reversed by a successor governor. It’s also tied up in a court action taken by the Vapor Technology Association. So, Dr. Spencer last month introduced a measure in the Suffolk Legislature to “codify in law” in Suffolk County that state order.  

As the tobacco industry fought restrictions on smoking for decades—I was there when PR people from its Tobacco Institute paraded before the Suffolk Legislature insisting there was no connection between smoking and cancer—the vaping forces are busy trying to thwart government action.

Newsday had an important article two weeks ago about how Juul and the Altria Group have been lobbying New York State and its local governments. Juul Labs makes up 70% of the e-cigarette market and 35% of Juul is owned by the Altria Group, a tobacco industry giant which manufactures cigarette brands including Parliament and Marlboro. “So far this year, Juul…spent $262,645 for lobbying, records show,” Newsday reported, and “Altria spent $594,707 lobbying Albany and local governments, including Suffolk County.”

Offices of members of the Suffolk Legislature have, say my county sources, been receiving calls from a PR and lobbying company called Millennial Strategies, representing Juul, asking for meetings. Millennial Strategies is based in Manhattan but has an office on Long Island on Main Street in Huntington. It says on its website: “Millennial understands the imperative nature of proper campaign strategy.” 

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.    

Before You Vote Learn The Positions Of Candidates Running For Office

On Thursday, October 17 at Nesaquake Middle School  the League of Women Voters of Smithtown hosted a debate between Jan Singer and Rob Trotta candidates  in Suffolk County’s 13th Legislative District. ( The debate begins 15 minutes into video)

LWV Smithtown and LWV Huntington

Monday, October 21 7:00pm

Suffolk County Executive candidate debate 

Kings Park High School, Kings Park

Candidates Steve Bellone, Greg Fischer, John Kennedy (Debate begins 23 minutes into video)

Open For Business Smithtown Welcomes Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main

Smithtown by the Sound

By Nancy Vallarella

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main is currently open for business and will hold its Grand Opening - November 9^th

Calculated analytics or kismet? Either way, it is a bold move for three healthcare career individuals (pharmacy owners, pharmacist, and pharmacy technician) to abandon their legacy career paths and open multiple Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea locations on Long Island.  The first one will be right here in Smithtown.

Owner and Director of Operations, Jeff Wong, cites many key characteristics for choosing Smithtown as their first location, “Traffic patterns, and credit card usage are common considerations. Smithtown rose to the top with the plans for transit-oriented development (The Lofts at Maple and Main), the large school district, and positive momentum for a growing small-business district. Then there is the destiny factor…The Nissequogue Indians called the area Hauppauge, meaning “the land of sweet water” as in the headwaters of the Nissequogue River.”

More likely, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main owners Lou Puleo, Chris Varvaro, and Jeff Wong are hedging their bet by choosing a franchise that has been successfully operating throughout the US since 2004. Founders Wei and Lisa Bee opened the first Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1993. The founding couple continues to actively participate in 26 franchises throughout the country when they aren’t scouring the globe researching and tasting the next coffee, tea, or menu item to serve at Sweetwaters locations. 

There is a “real ingredient” focus at Sweetwaters. Some menu items are luxurious, but all are selected for their quality. Jeff Wong states,” We will not offer coconut milk. In its natural state, coconut milk does not mix well with coffee without questionable additives.  Menu items are carefully curated. Sweetwaters Ice Dragons are “perfectly blended frozen luxuries.”  Ice Dragon menu option, Strawberry Bliss, is an ingredient beverage made with fresh strawberries, yogurt, milk, sweet cream, and ice.  The real ingredient policy holds throughout Sweetwaters’ light fair menu. Expect croissants, pastry, and breakfast sandwiches. Over time, local artisan products will be offered.Nov. 2 Family and Friends Charity Event

A convenient drive-thru window is sure to be popular. Tea enthusiasts will be delighted with Sweetwaters teapot service. A catering menu boasts boxes of coffee, tea, and seasonal cider available in multiple varieties along with trays of muffins, pastries, cakes, fruit, and quiches.

Quality and community are hand in hand at Sweetwater. The goal of the franchise is to maintain a warm, welcoming, and inviting environment to work in and gather.  As director of operations, Jeff Wong is looking forward to mentoring the young staff.  His goal is to train, develop skills and work ethic while offering a comfortable atmosphere to stay beyond work hours to study or meet with friends.  It looks as though Jeff is on the right track…

“Sweetwaters immediately showed their commitment to the schools in the area by reaching out to me to join the Smithtown Schools Industry Advisor Board,” said Mary Pat Grafstein, Executive Director of the IAB. As the Work Experience and Internship Coordinator for the Smithtown School District, Mary collaborated with Sweetwaters on their job posting and general information on the café. Students were hired from Smithtown High Schools East and West. 

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main is located 200 West Main Street, Smithtown.Sweetwaters West Main is working on various community programs and events.

Local art and photography will be exhibited. St. James’ Watermark Galleries will be among the first to show. Students will be motivated with product rewards as part of Sweetwaters’ “Great Grades” Program. On-premise fundraising events are being scheduled. Check social media for other scheduled activities like OPEN MIC NIGHT!

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main is located 200 West Main Street, Smithtown. Just east of The Wine Guy. 

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea West Main can be found on Facebook at SWWestMain and instagram at WestMainCoffeeAndTea.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Captain Kidd's Treasure May Be Closer Than You Think

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

Where is the rest of Captain Kidd’s treasure?

I’ve been giving presentations about Gardiner’s Island in recent times—at the East Hampton Library, Southampton History Museum and last week at the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum.

Part of the talk involves the pirate Captain Kidd in 1699 famously burying treasure on Gardiner’s Island which is east of Shelter Island. Years ago, for a TV shoot on the privately held island that’s been in the Gardiner family for nearly 400 years, Robert David Lion Gardiner, its “16^th Lord of the Manor,” brought me to the spot where the treasure had been buried.

Numerous historical accounts relate that after leaving the treasure on the 3,300-acre island, Captain Kidd told the “3^rd Lord of the Manor,” Jonathan Gardiner, that if the treasure wasn’t there when he returned, he would kill Jonathan.

Captain Kidd was on his way to Boston—and never got back to Gardiner’s Island. He was arrested and tried for murder and piracy and hanged.

The treasure was recovered from Gardiner’s Island but, the historical accounts have it, somehow a diamond was either taken by the Gardiners or fell out of the travel bag in which the treasure was placed to be sent to London. In any event, the diamond was given to Jonathan’s daughter, Elizabeth, says the accounts.

Before the talk last week, I was a guest on the Giana Volpe’s “Media Mavens” radio program on WPPB, the Long Island NPR station, and spoke about the upcoming presentation. Then, when I got to the college where I’m a journalism professor (SUNY/Old Westbury), there was a phone message from Dr. Gary Rosenbaum. The physician, infectious disease specialist at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, said he had heard me on WPPB and then told a fascinating—history-changing—story.

As a Boy Scout, said Dr. Rosenbaum, his troop, from Commack, spent several weeks in 1971 in a camp-out on Gardiner’s Island. At one point, he related, Mr. Gardiner invited the boys and their leaders into the main residence on the island, its Manor House, and showed them goodies which Mr. Gardiner identified as being from Captain Kidd’s treasure. This included, said Dr. Rosenbaum, a tiara studded with rubies and emeralds, and gold coins—Spanish doubloons. An armed guard stood by as the items were presented, he related.

I asked Dr. Rosenbaum if he might come to the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum presentation and tell the audience there what he just told me. He did. I introduced him from the audience as I got to the portion on my talk about Gardiner’s Island involving Captain Kidd’s treasure, briefly summarized his story and said he would provide details. 

When I finished, I asked Dr. Rosenbaum to come to the podium. There he repeated what he had originally told me on the phone. He noted that the guard—armed with a sidearm—“watched us like a hawk” as Mr. Gardiner displayed the items.

Buttressing Dr. Rosenbaum’s account was an audience member, Peter Vieblig of Shelter Island. A “history buff,” he’s on the board of the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm on Shelter Island (where there’s also an historic manor house) and long active in the Shelter Island Historical Society. Mr. Vieblig said all of Captain Kidd’s treasure apparently never got to England.

This, he said, was confirmed by Mr. Gardiner when Mr. Vielbig visited Gardiner’s Island on a tour of it with the Sag Harbor Historical Society in 1975. Mr. Gardiner, however, “didn’t say” the Gardiners got more of the treasure beyond that diamond.

In articles about the auctions of Gardiner heirlooms after Mr. Gardiner died in 2004, and then his wife, Eunice, died in 2011, there is reporting on furniture and paintings and similar items being sold off but, unless I missed something, nothing about the sale of a tiara or gold doubloons.

The question: where is the rest of Captain Kidd’s treasure now?

And who to contact on this?  With Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner having passed away and leaving no heirs, I tried to contact their last attorney. But answering the phone number of the lawyer who is listed on Google resulted in my being connected to a bagel shop in Smithtown. Seeking information from English Colonial authorities in Boston about whether they knew they had been short-changed would be to no avail as they haven’t been around for centuries. 

In coming months, I will again be giving the presentation about Gardiner’s Island—in itself an historic and ecological jewel—at the Amagansett Free Library, Huntington Public Library and Shelter Island History Center. It will include a screening of the TV piece filmed on Gardiner’s Island which features scenes of the exquisite island and my interviewing the late Mr. Gardiner there.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.